Chandigarh, Oct 2: As North India prepares for the post-paddy harvest season, Punjab has unveiled its Action Plan-2025 to eliminate stubble burning, a move that promises cleaner air and new economic opportunities for farmers with the initiative seeking to transform crop residue into what officials call ‘green gold’ instead of smoke, marking a major step toward sustainable agriculture.
The state recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Deloitte to support this effort. “This partnership goes beyond technical assistance. It’s a mission to empower our farmers,” Mann said, mentioning last year’s pilot project in 17 villages of Patiala, which cut fire incidents by over 80 percent. The government plans to replicate and expand this success statewide.
The Rs 500-crore Action Plan-2025 aims to increase farmer income by converting stubble into bio-energy, organic fertilizers, and electricity. With Rs 150 crore in assistance from the central government, more than 15,000 machines, including super seeders and balers, are being made available at subsidized rates. “Stubble that once went up in smoke will now generate income for farmers while preserving soil fertility,” Mann added.
Last year, stubble burning incidents dropped from 36,551 to 10,479, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted interventions. This year, the government plans to deploy 4,367 new subsidized machines and strengthen 1,500 Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs). Around 7.06 million tons of stubble will be converted into fuel for power plants, biogas units, and other energy projects. Deloitte will assist in setting up biomass power and biogas plants, offering farmers the chance to sell stubble at profitable rates. Officials estimate that efficient utilization of 19 million tons of stubble could provide additional income to hundreds of thousands of farmers annually.
Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns. “IEC activities will be conducted through village meetings and door-to-door outreach. Inspirational videos, digital awareness vans featuring the ‘Unnat Singh’ mascot, and innovative items like T-shirts, calendars, cups, and tote bags will motivate farmers,” he said.
He also noted the launch of the ‘Krishi Yantra Saathi’ (KYS) mobile app, which will allow farmers to book and schedule agricultural equipment. The government plans awareness camps in 3,333 villages and 296 block-level programs.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh lauded the initiative, noting the health risks of stubble burning. “Smoke from crop residue affects air quality and increases respiratory and other health issues. The success in Patiala offers a practical model for protecting both the environment and public health,” he said.
“Our collaboration with Deloitte is a significant step toward a green, prosperous, and healthy Punjab. By applying these strategies statewide, we aim to replicate Patiala’s success and provide sustainable solutions for farmers.” Between September 15 and 27, 2025, the Punjab Pollution Control Board recorded only 82 fire incidents—a 16 percent decline compared with last year.
Chief Minister Mann described the program as an opportunity rather than a challenge. “Punjab’s farmer is our pride. We see stubble not as a problem but as an opportunity. Action Plan-2025 will clean Punjab’s air and economically empower every farmer,” he said. The scheme targets the management of 20.5 million tons of stubble through in-situ and ex-situ methods, including promoting Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) across 5 lakh acres.
